Visit,an elegant seaside city at the mouth of the Piscataqua River that excites with,its maritime past, historic buildings and scenic walking trails.
Settled in 1623, Portsmouth lays claim to beingone of the oldest cities in the United States. With a rich shipbuildingheritage, a working port and a large waterfront park, there is much to fascinatethe visitor. Cruise through its waterways, learnabout maritime history and explore hundreds of years of Portsmouth’s past inits old homes.
The PortsmouthNaval Shipyard was founded in 1800 and for much of its history was a majorshipbuilding center. One of the many submarines to roll off its launchpad wasthe USS Albacore, now a floatingmuseum. Walk through the vessel on a guided tour to find out about its years ofservice.
There is more history at the Strawbery Banke Museum, a 9.5-acre(3.8-hectare) site with 42 historic buildings. The oldest structure dates back to 1695. Tour these old properties,which contain artifacts that reveal aspects of everyday life from differenteras.
Leave the car behind for a walk throughPortsmouth’s tree-lined streets. They will take you past beautiful colonialhouses. Shop in upscale boutiques, stop by a cozy café or restaurant and visitmore historic homes. Step inside the RichardJackson House, built in 1664. This is believed to be the oldest survivingwood frame home in New Hampshire.
For a pleasant change of scenery, head to thewaterfront Prescott Park. Relax inthe flower gardens and enjoy gorgeous views of the Piscataqua River.
A delightful way to see the city is from thewater. Go for a cruise onboard a reproduction of the flat-bottom wooden bargesthat were once a regular feature on Portsmouth's waterways.
Take a short boat trip or drive across thebridge to the 27-acre (11-hectare) PierceIsland. The former site of Fort Washington is now known for its scenicwalking trails and outdoor swimming pool.
Portsmouth is roughly halfway between Boston andPortland, Maine. The drive from either of these places takes little more thanan hour. Both are also a little over an hour away by bus. Once you are inPortsmouth, many of the historic and waterfront attractions can be easilyreached on foot.
The beaches and churches are a few reasons travellers visit Rye Beach. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Hampton Beach and Water Country are a few top sights nearby.
Top hotels in Portsmouth
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
3 out of 5
23 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
£95
per night
25 Nov-26 Nov
Located in the heart of Portsmouth, this hotel is 0.2 mi (0.2 km) from Music Hall and within 3 miles (5 km) of Fort Constitution Historical Site and Kittery ...…Located in the heart of Portsmouth, this hotel is 0.2 mi (0.2 km) from Music Hall and within 3 miles (5 km) of Fort Constitution Historical Site and Kittery ...WWW…
4.7/5Exceptional! (1,076 reviews)
"Great! Clean and with a nice breakfast in the morning."…""Great! Clean and with a nice breakfast in the morning."WWW…"
Located in the heart of Portsmouth, this hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Market Square and within 3 miles (5 km) of Fort Constitution Historical Site and Kittery ...…Located in the heart of Portsmouth, this hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Market Square and within 3 miles (5 km) of Fort Constitution Historical Site and Kittery ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (1,189 reviews)
"Disappointing could not apply my aaa discount. This may prevent me from using Expedia in the future"…""Disappointing could not apply my aaa discount. This may prevent me from using Expedia in the future"WWW…"
Situated in Portsmouth, this motel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Fox Run Mall and Red Hook Brewery. Jackson House Museum and Albacore Park are also within 3 miles ...…Situated in Portsmouth, this motel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Fox Run Mall and Red Hook Brewery. Jackson House Museum and Albacore Park are also within 3 miles ...WWW…
3.2/5 (1,156 reviews)
"Clean and nice for the price. Don't expect any extras, however great for the price."…""Clean and nice for the price. Don't expect any extras, however great for the price."WWW…"
Find out about the history of Portsmouth when you take a trip to Market Square. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
If you are visiting Boston this place should be on your must-visit list. We have created a driving tour you to help you enjoy the majestic views. You will see towns, beaches and the sea on your drive. This app offers a fully-guided experience.
Private Full-Day Trip To Kittery Premium Outlets From Boston
£121
With this private day trip you'll enjoy the luxury of your own personal driver and car. Start your full day with pickup at your hotel or local accommodations and head for the highway out of Boston in your choice of vehicle, from standard sedan to luxury Rolls Royce Ghost.
Private Full-Day Shopping Tour To Merrimack Premium Outlets From Boston
£91
With this private day trip you'll enjoy the luxury of your own personal driver and car. Start your full day with pickup at your hotel or local accommodations, and head for the highway out of Boston.
Average sort of town, nothing really to write home about
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
7 Jun 2019
We loved the surrounding area and the town of Portsmouth with its river front dining and boutique type shops. We loved the Goat and The Mouse - two places to dine and drink.
We did visit a lovely beach in Maine but unfortunately don't know the name
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
26 May 2019
Lovely, buzzy little town. Great bats and restaurants.
